As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has issued a strong warning to political parties, urging them to avoid fielding a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
The group raised concerns over what it described as the continued marginalization of Christian communities, following the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to present a same-faith ticket during the 2023 elections.
In a statement signed on Monday by CONYL President-General, Goodluck Ibem, the coalition alleged that the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity, especially at the executive leadership level.
“The current religious imbalance in the executive leadership has raised genuine concerns among many Nigerians and contributed to a sense of marginalization among certain segments of the population,” the statement said.
Referencing the widespread backlash in 2022 when then-presidential candidate Tinubu, a Muslim, selected fellow Muslim Kashim Shettima as his running mate, CONYL said the move had sparked fears of exclusion — fears they believe have now materialized.
Looking ahead to 2027, CONYL called on all political parties and stakeholders to ensure a balanced Christian-Muslim (or Muslim-Christian) ticket, emphasizing that such an approach is not just a political necessity but a moral imperative.
“A religiously balanced ticket will foster unity and inclusion by reflecting the religious diversity of our nation. It will promote peace and interfaith harmony… and reassure marginalized groups that they are integral to Nigeria’s future,” Ibem stated.
The coalition stressed that Nigeria’s youth are tired of divisive politics and yearn for leadership that promotes equity, fairness, and unity.
“Equal representation reflects the true spirit of democracy and acknowledges the diversity that defines Nigeria,” CONYL added.
They urged political power brokers to set a new precedent that reflects national unity and rebuilds public confidence in inclusive governance.
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